Mandzukic very close

Thirty million euros. That is the price tag Manchester City placed on Álvaro Negredo, which they have no intention of lowering and which is the point that Atlético Madrid decided to activate their plan B for a forward. And that plan B, as MARCA already revealed, is the signing of Mario Mandzukic.

The Croatian footballer, with things the way they stand, is very close to becoming the newest member of the 'rojiblanco' set-up. Atlético Madrid's initial offer of 18 million puts him just a small step away from signing for Diego Simeone's side.

There are still a few loose ends, as Bayern are trying to get a bit more than just money from the deal, but right now Mandzukic is the footballer most likely to replace Diego Costa as the main goalscorer for the 'rojiblancos' He is one hundred per cent Atlético's chosen striker.

When his exit is confirmed, which could be in the next few days or even hours, Simeone will finally have the goalscorer the club has been crying out for since the departures of Costa and Villa - a player who can guarantee 20 goals or more each season.